Bicycle Mechanic Profile
For a long time now, I've been a competitive cyclist, and I guess this sort of intense involvement tends to bring about a fair degree of passion for the industry. I was originally a motor mechanic by trade, but eventually I had had enough of working on cars, I guess I just got sick of being smelly and dirty all the time.
My passion for cycling allowed me to come into this industry fairly easily. My mechanical background has been handy for that, and my knowledge of bikes is pretty good because I have been racing for such a long time. I originally got involved in the industry as a sales representative for a bike manufacturer, and that's how I got to work here - I was eventually offered a job, and I jumped at the opportunity.
That was over 10 years ago, and now I've moved up to being the manager of our bike shop. The whole time though I have always managed to have a heap of fun. The bicycle industry is like that; more than anything else, there is a great sense of recreation and enjoyment. We all know that if we continue to complete the tasks at hand, well then we always end up having a great time around the workshop. It truly is an ideal place to be.
The work I do
We are located in a speciality cycling store in Melbourne. With regards to the workshop, I usually undertake servicing and minor repairs of bikes. Specifically though, it will involve servicing of wheel hubs, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, steering, suspension and drivetrain systems. I also look at removing, fitting and undertaking minor repairs to tyres and wheels as well as the fitting of accessories.
One of the great aspects is that I am involved in repair and building of a lot of the higher end, very expensive road bikes. I'm in the position where my background has given a wider degree of experience compared to most bicycle mechanics, so I tend to work on the harder jobs. I have worked on bikes that are worth in excess of $15,000. It's an awesome experience working and constructing such sophisticated hardware.
My workplace
The workplace is fairly chaotic at times; simply because of the level of work we have flowing through our doors. But because of the spacious area, we are able to maintain a bit of structure. We are always using the latest tooling and techniques, which is pretty exciting. The sort of technology I have come across, well I didn't even know half of it existed. The bike industry is growing beyond its traditional reputation - the level of technological sophistication ensures so.
There is also a great atmosphere around the place - it's all to do with the people employed here. Everyone fits in well with each other, everyone is friendly and conscientious and no one gets upset with each other. Because everyone has a mutual interest in cycling, we all have a distinct level of respect for one another, and this is vital for success.
Education and training
Since completing my automotive mechanic apprenticeship, I remained in
the industry for an additional 10 years. Aside from that background, the
most recent training I have undertaken is the Certificate III in Bicycles
(Mechanics).
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry...
I love cycling, so it makes sense to enter an industry where you have an enormous interest in your occupation extending beyond the working hours. It's like being paid to work on your hobby. Ideally, I would rather be cycling everyday, but at least working in a bicycle shop is the next best thing. I also find myself interacting with a lot of like-minded people, so whether its working on bikes or talking about bikes, I'm always involved in my passion, so that is a very enjoyable element.
My involvement with cycling extends beyond my position as manager and a bicycle store - I do quite a number of other things related to bikes, such as writing for a cycling magazine, and officiating at meets. So most of my life revolves around bikes in one way or another, and this just pays me to do it.